title: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Diagnosis, natural history, and treatment options.
abstract: Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia develops when patients given heparin as treatment for thrombosis have an immunologic reaction to the agent. Patients may have an underlying thrombotic disorder--for example, venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism--that requires intervention. Alternative antithrombotic therapies that have been tried include defibrinogenating agents, LMWH and heparinoids, thrombin-specific inhibitors, antiplatelet agents, oral anticoagulants, and vena cava interruption.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, McMaster University Faculty of Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Kelton
authors.forename: T E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Warkentin
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006493:Heparin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D006493:Heparin